It was Simon Enciso’s time to shine as TNT blasted Blackwater, 109-96, to remain perfect after five games in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup Thursday at the SMART 5G-powered Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center in Pampanga.
The gunslinging guard threw the season’s first halfcourt shot to end the first quarter, and it proved to be the key that revved up the Tropang Giga engine that allowed them to break away in the second period.
Enciso, who arrived at the flagship MVP Group franchise through an offseason trade, finished with 16 points built on four three-pointers, on top of three rebounds and two assists in nearly 35 minutes of play as a starter.
The cager from San Francisco, California stepped up in the absence of main man Jayson Castro, who sat out the game after experiencing tightness in his calf during the pre-game warmups.
“Simon has been consistent defensively. Now yung offense niya, nakakakuha na kami ng numbers from him. While the others are not playing–si Jayson did not play tonight–nandun pa rin si Simon,” said Coach Bong Ravena.
Roger Pogoy top-scored for the Tropang Giga with 20 points, on top of seven rebounds and four assists. His last dime led to a Tony Semerad bucket with 5:10 left to play that gave them their biggest lead at 21, 102-81.
Ray Parks produced 18 points, Troy Rosario made 17 notched a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, as Poy Erram added 14 markers, five boards, and five dimes as TNT seized sole leadership with the win.
Former TNT forward Don Trollano led Blackwater with 23 points in the loss, which was the Elite’s second straight after absorbing a humiliating 82-120 defeat in the hands of Alaska last Tuesday.
Blackwater, who fell to 2-3, missed the services of rookie Maurice Shaw for the third consecutive game. The 6-foot-8 big man has only played once this season as he continues to be hounded by back spasms.
TNT will look to make it six in a row versus the struggling NorthPort on Monday, Oct. 26, at 4:00 p.m. while Blackwater aims to snap its skid versus Rain or Shine on Sunday, Oct. 25, also at 4:00 p.m.
The Scores:
TNT (109) – Pogoy 20, Parks 18, Rosario 17, Enciso 16, Erram 14, Washington 6, Reyes 5, Semerad 5, Vosotros 4, De Leon 2, Flores 2, Carey 0, Alejandro 0.
Blackwater (96) – Trollano 23, Belo 16, Tolomia 12, Golla 9,Sumang 8, Daquioag 8, Gabriel 7, Canaleta 3, Salem 3, Dennison 3, Dario 2, Desiderio 2, Shaw 0, Magat 0, Escoto 0.
Quarterscores: 34-25, 61-49, 87-73, 109-96
